by Mike Wells, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Wells, USA TODAY Sports

PORTLAND, Ore. - Paul George locked his jaw as if he was about to take his defender off the dribble. Gave a hard look as if he was trying to determine where the offensive player was going with the ball when he showed a side of him rarely on the display.

"I don't want to be cocky in anyway, but I knew this is the level I could play at," the Indiana Pacers swingman said.

George has the right to be cocky because he's headed to the first of what he believes many All-Star appearances. He was named a reserve on the Eastern Conference All-Star team Thursday. The game is Feb. 17 in Houston.

"I've always been confident in myself," George said. "I should be able to make it back to another game."

This is the second consecutive season that the Pacers will have a player playing in the All-Star Game.

Center Roy Hibbert made it last season as a reserve.

As much as the Pacers would like to have Danny Granger in the lineup, his absence because of a knee injury turned out to be a blessing for George.

George has erupted out of his shell to average a team-high 17.3 points to go with 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals a game this season.

"For one, it's a blessing, but I want to thank the organization for helping me grow and really staying with me," George said. "Thanks to the coaching staff, coach (Frank) Vogel, my teammates for really giving me the opportunity to grow and play at the level that I am."